Weapons Advisory

Members of the campus community must be informed about the state laws that apply on campus, which may differ from those at your previous residence. This includes firearms and dangerous weapons. The presence of firearms in a college setting can be disruptive and frightening to members of the community. While most people recognize the hazards, some may be unaware of the laws of the Commonwealth with regard firearms and other weapons.

It is a violation of Massachusetts General Law to possess a firearm on school grounds (this includes your residence hall room). Even if you are licensed to carry a firearm in the state of Massachusetts, it is a crime to bring it to UMass Lowell. Unlicensed possession is an additional and more serious crime. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has recently ruled that even a “BB gun” is a firearm for the purpose of this statute. More obvious firearms include pistols, rifles and shotguns. If it is determined that you have a firearm or other dangerous weapon at this University, you are subject to criminal prosecution in State Court and/or suspension or expulsion from UMass Lowell.

“Whoever, not being a law enforcement officer … carries on his person a firearm … loaded or unloaded or other dangerous weapon in any building or on any grounds of any elementary or secondary school, college or university … shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.”

MGL Chapter 269 s10 (felony) also prohibits possession of “dangerous weapons” and lists many types of weapons that are considered inherently dangerous, including, but not limited to: several types of knives, metallic knuckles, nunchaku (two sticks attached to each other by a rope, chain), shuriken or similar pointed star-like throwing object, any armband made with leather that has metallic spikes, points or pointed studs, or other dangerous weapon.

If you unwittingly brought any dangerous weapon to UMass Lowell it is in your best interest to remove it from the premises immediately. If you are found to have a dangerous weapon in your possession, the consequences may affect your future ability to obtain or maintain a firearms license, in addition to the penalties listed above.

If you have knowledge of someone in possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon, or if you have other concerns about this issue please contact the UMass Lowell Police Department at 978-934-2398 (x42398 from campus phones) or through the anonymous tip line at 978-934-4213, (x44213 from campus phones).

This notice is intended for informational purposes only and is not the result of any investigation or specific knowledge about the existence of illegal items.